In-flight voice calls may be coming, like it or not

Making phone calls during flights: you either love the idea or hate it. No matter how you feel about the prospect, the Department of Transportation has proposed a few new rules that would allow airlines to decide whether they will let passengers make voice calls during flights using the aircraft’s onboard Wi-Fi system.

However, the rules state that airlines and ticket agents would have to let the passengers know in advance that making voice calls during the flight is allowed and that, therefore, mid-air distractions can be expected.

Consumers deserve to have clear and accurate information about whether an airline permits voice calls before they purchase a ticket and board the aircraft. Today’s proposal will ensure that air travelers are not unwillingly exposed to voice calls, as many of them are troubled over the idea of passengers talking on cell phones in flight. — Anthony Foxx, U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

As of now, the final decision regarding the implementation of the above-mentioned rules has not been made. The Department of Transportation will first take the feedback it gets from airlines as well as passengers on this topic into consideration, which might take some time.

So, if you have a strong opinion regarding the topic and want your voice to be heard, head over to the official website of the Department of Transportation by clicking the button below to post your comment.

Also feel free to express your opinion in the comments section below. We would love to hear what you think about the proposed rules.